Veteran writer and host Cristy Fermin addressed the cyber libel complaint filed against her by actress Bea Alonzo in a recent episode of the ‘Cristy Ferminute’ on 92.3 Radyo 5 TRUE FM.
Fermin began by expressing her inability to respond promptly to inquiries due to her prior commitments, including commemorating her late mother’s birthday.
During the broadcast, Fermin acknowledged that she and her team were yet to receive the subpoena, thus lacking detailed information about the content of Bea Alonzo’s affidavit and the reasons behind her decision to file a libel case.
Fermin emphasized the importance of understanding that everyone possesses the right to pursue legal action, particularly against media figures, and stressed the inherent relationship between libel and their profession.
Contrary to allegations that their vlogs were exploiting Bea Alonzo’s name for profit, Fermin clarified that their programs, including ‘Cristy Ferminute’ and Ogie Diaz’s ‘Showbiz Now Na,’ covered a range of topics concerning public figures, not solely focusing on Alonzo.
Highlighting her past efforts in defending Alonzo during controversies, Fermin questioned whether these actions would be overlooked due to a single disagreement.
“Ako po ang nagbigay ng proteksyon sa kanya, ako po ang nagtanggol. Kinalaban ko ang lahat para lang mabigyan ko siya ng magandang pagtalakay at opinion.”
She urged Alonzo and others to acknowledge and appreciate those who genuinely support them before resorting to legal actions.
“Sa dinamidami po ba ng magagandang nagawa sa buhay na ito na tayo’y namumuhunan ng ating pangalan, ating kredibilidad, ang ating opinion at maaring sabihing nakagaganda sa isang personalidad, ‘yun pong lahat ng ‘yun kapag siya po ba ay nakarinig ng isang bahay na hindi niya gusto at masama sa kanyang panlasa (at) lahat po ba ng magandang ginawa tungkol sa kanya ng taong nagtanggol sa kanya sa pinakamahabang panahon ay ibabasura na lamang?”
Fermin reminded public figures, such as Alonzo, of their responsibilities and the consequences of their actions within the public eye.
“’Yun lang po ang aking katanungan na gusto kong marinig naman (sagot), sabi namin ni Ogie Diaz makipagkilala po muna tayo sa salitang ‘maraming salamat po’ bago po tayo mag-reklamo.
“Sana po bigyan natin ng pagpapahalaga ‘yung mga taong tunay na nagmamalasakit at nagmamahal at dapat intindihin ninyo ang aming propesyon dahil kami po ay tagapagtawid at tagalatag ng mga balita, hindi maari na ang gusto n’yo lang ang aming sabihin.
She concluded by affirming Alonzo’s right to file a libel case but cautioned against attempts to stifle freedom of expression, stating, “Sabi nga kayo ang nagdemanda, ikaw Bea ang nagsampa ng kasong libelo laban sa akin, kay Ogie Diaz at sa aming mga kasama ano ang ating mga sinasabi, we will see you in court.”
Fermin’s remarks come amidst ongoing discussions surrounding Alonzo’s decision to pursue legal action against her and other media personalities.
